I’ve never heard of The Hipless Boy, but clearly someone really liked it, since it was nominated for several awards. Masterpiece Comics is a strong choice, although it seems to be playing in a different environment than the others.

I presented this award, which I was very honored to do. It recognizes “the best marriage of both art and story in a single issue of a comic,” which is what makes the comic medium so amazing and attractive to me. (Although I did obsess about trying to figure out the correct name pronunciations.)

The previous winners were mostly the usual suspects — Dan Clowes, Chris Ware, Adrian Tomine, Kevin Huizenga, plus that horrible year where Frank Cho nominated himself and won — so I was also excited that this was the first time a woman won.

Dean took his shirt off, in response to calls from the audience. At this point, it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy, although I loved his comment, “It’s not what it used to be.” Very little is. Neat to see manga included in this and other categories.

Spike gave an impassioned introduction about how giving things away online for free, even though “oldies” might think it’s dumb, will find you fans who will be happy to pay for your work. I was a bit surprised, not because I disagreed with anything she said, but because I thought that discussion was over and done with — clearly, webcomics are an established presence and business model.

Cool as Troop 142 looks, it seems a little weird to me that it would be nominated for both Minicomic and Online Comic. But if it’s available in both forms, why not?

I’m sad that Sarah Becan didn’t win, just because I adore that comic, and I can’t imagine reading it anywhere else but online. And some people need better URLs.

The only award where the winner wasn’t there to accept in person. That’s one of the many things that makes the Ignatzs fun and unique. Another is that the award categories are limited, which helps keep the ceremony short and enjoyable. Although I do wonder why there isn’t an Outstanding Writer award? These things don’t write themselves!

Overall, an entertaining time, one I was proud to be part of.

Also presented was the First Annual Animation Showcase Audience Choice Award. This went to “Deadline” by Bang-Yao Liu, available on YouTube.